Millwall on brink of Premier League promotion as Oxford United aim to spoil party

Key facts

• Millwall are one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town in the Championship table.
• Oxford United have already been relegated and have nothing riding on the final fixture.
• Millwall host Oxford United at The Den on Saturday with kick-off at 12:30pm.
• Oxford defeated Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 last weekend, with Will Lankshear scoring twice.
• Matt Bloomfield made one change for Oxford: Yunus Konak replaces Cameron Brannagan.
• Millwall can secure automatic promotion to the Premier League with a win and an Ipswich loss.
• Jack Currie returns to the Oxford bench for the final game.

Final-day drama at The Den

Millwall welcome Oxford United to The Den on Saturday for the final round of Championship fixtures with promotion to the Premier League hanging in the balance. The Lions sit one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town and must beat the already-relegated visitors while hoping their rivals drop points at home to Queens Park Rangers. Kick-off is set for 12:30pm in London.

Millwall's promotion equation

Victory for Alex Neil's side would lift them above Ipswich if the Tractor Boys fail to win. Millwall have enjoyed an 'unbelievable season,' who praised Neil's work. The home team are chasing a return to the top flight after a prolonged absence, and the stakes could not be higher on the final day.

Oxford's pride and preparation

Despite relegation already confirmed, Oxford United are determined to finish strongly. Bloomfield stated, 'We wanted to finish the season strongly irrespective of the results on Saturday lunchtime.' His team arrive on the back of their biggest win of the season, a 4-1 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday, with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Will Lankshear netting twice. Will Vaulks and Myles Peart-Harris also scored.

Team news and changes

Bloomfield made one alteration for the final fixture, bringing Yunus Konak into the starting lineup in place of Cameron Brannagan, who drops to the bench. Jack Currie also returns among the substitutes. Oxford's starting XI: Cumming, Brown, Vaulks, Konak, Helik, Emakhu, Spencer, Mills, ter Avest, Lankshear, Donley. The bench includes Ingram, Long, Brannagan, Harris, Currie, Jin Woo, Makosso, McDonnell, and Peart-Harris.

Bloomfield's call for character

Bloomfield emphasised the importance of professionalism and attitude. 'Our professional integrity says we have to make sure that we're ready for what we need to be,' he said. 'The main thing I'm looking for is character and attitude.' He added that building a successful club requires 'alignment and hard work towards a goal,' regardless of the division.

What is at stake

For Millwall, a win could seal a place in the Premier League, transforming the club's fortunes. For Oxford, the match is a chance to end a difficult season on a high note and reach the 50-point mark. The result also carries implications for the integrity of the league, as Oxford's performance could directly affect the promotion race.

Final whistle outlook

All eyes will be on both The Den and Portman Road as the Championship season concludes. Millwall must do their part and hope for a favour from QPR. Whatever the outcome, Bloomfield's Oxford have vowed to compete with 'professional integrity,' ensuring the final day retains its competitive edge.

The bottom line

• Millwall need a win over Oxford and an Ipswich loss to secure automatic promotion.
• Oxford United are already relegated but aim to finish with a strong performance.
• Matt Bloomfield praised Millwall's season and stressed professional integrity.
• Will Lankshear scored twice in Oxford's 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
• Yunus Konak starts for Oxford; Cameron Brannagan drops to the bench.
• Kick-off at The Den is 12:30pm on Saturday.